Senator Lankford Supports Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today supported the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2016, which includes several measures to increase vetting and screening of airport employees, expand enrollment to the TSA PreCheck program to expedite passengers through security lines, increase standards for hiring air traffic controllers and enhance security for international flights bound for the US. The bill also addresses cybersecurity threats that face aviation navigation systems. 

“American airspace is the busiest and safest airspace in the world but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement,” said Lankford. “The bill focuses on national and cyber security to protect passengers, airline operators and FAA personnel, and includes incentives to hire and retain qualified air traffic control instructors to keep our national airspace safe for years to come. I’m glad the Senate was able to come together to pass this bill and continue to work on issues important to our nation.”

Lankford introduced an amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Act that would eliminate the Department of Transportation Essential Air Service (EAS), a proposal included in Lankford’s ‘Federal Fumbles’ government waste report. The amendment did not come up for a vote. Lankford introduced separately the Free Market Flights Act, which terminates the EAS program.

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